Modi anointment like nectar after 'samudra-manthan': Thackeray

Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) After 'samudra-manthan' (ocean churning), the nectar has emerged was how Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray described Narendra Modi's anointment as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.

"This decision was expected and is in tune with the mood of the people," Thackeray said shortly after Modi's name was officially announced in New Delhi Friday by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh.

Thackeray said the country was passing through difficult times and the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance had pushed the country on the brink of disaster.

He added communal forces and scamsters have created anarchy in the country while rioters and terrorists have instilled fear among the majority Hindus.

On the country's borders, the weak Congress and its helpless prime minister are mute spectators to repeated breaches by Pakistan and China.

"Under these circumstances, if the Congress can be defeated and Hindutva can be promoted, with the country's reins going in the hands of Narendra Modi, the Shiv Sena will wholeheartedly welcome it," Thackeray said.

Earlier this afternoon, the BJP chief spoke to Thackeray and sought his party's support and best wishes for Modi on the decision.

The BJP chief also spoke to another major ally, the Akali Dal in Punjab, and conveyed the same decision to its leaders.

Late Thursday night, Modi had called up and spoken to Thacekray, seeking his support following which the Shiv Sena Friday morning declared its support for Modi or "any other candidate" named by the BJP for the country's top executive post.